Over-ear headphones (or over-ears for short) are among the most popular headphone types, with all our current best headphones recommendations using this design. 'Over-ears' rest around/over the outer section of your ear (pinna). This style offers advantages compared to 'on-ears,' which rest directly on your pinna: namely, in comfort and noise attenuation. Still, they tend to be bulkier and less breathable as they seal around your ear, necessitating a larger design and reducing airflow.
As with other headphone types, the best entries in the over-ear category should have a mix of effectively executed features like active noise cancelling (ANC) to isolate you from environmental distractions, along with solid ergonomics and usability manifested in aspects like comfort, battery life, and a stable wireless connection (when applicable).
We've tested over 885 pairs of headphones, and below are our picks for the top over-ear headphones to buy. Also, make sure to check out our recommendations for the best on-ear headphones and the best in-ear headphones if you're on the hunt for different designs.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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Best Over-Ear Headphones
Peaks/DipsNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosComfortNoise Isolation - Full RangeWirelessYesSports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkWireless Gaming (In Development)Wired Gaming (In Development)Audio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationMicrophone (In Development)See all our test resultsFrequency Response ConsistencyThe Sony WH-1000XM6 establish themselves as the best over-ear headphones we've tested thanks to their top-of-the-line active noise cancelling (ANC) system, which easily cuts down the rumble of engines and ambient chatter alike. This makes them a shoo-in for travel and office use, further supported by one of the best non-boom microphone performances (perfect for conference calls and work meetings). Their battery also lasts for over 31 hours with ANC on, and they support LDAC for Hi-Res audio (if you have the right source). You can even use them passively via their audio jack, though they'll sound quite different with much less bass and treble. Still, the option to use the headphones without relying on a battery is good in a pinch.
Out of the box, they have a warm sound signature that emphasizes bass relative to treble, making them suitable for genres like melodic bass and rock. If you prefer a different sound, you can always tweak their signature using the app's 10-band graphic EQ or presets. The app also allows you to manage simultaneous connections with up to two devices, so you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone. There is one major tradeoff with the Sony headphones, though: they have shallow earpads, which aren't the most comfortable. In this regard, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) have the Sony beat thanks to the generous padding on their headband and earpads. That said, the Bose can't be used passively and have a worse microphone system.
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Best Mid-Range Over-Ear Headphones
Peaks/DipsNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosComfortNoise Isolation - Full RangeWirelessYesSports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkWireless Gaming (In Development)Wired Gaming (In Development)Audio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationMicrophone (In Development)See all our test resultsFrequency Response ConsistencyThe JBL Live 780NC come quite close to matching the versatility and performance of our top pick at a lower price, but they sacrifice in a few places. Their ANC isolates you from noise nearly as well as the Sony WH-1000XM6, but they allow a bit more bass- and mid-range noise like bus rumble and commuter chatter through. The JBL are still very good for office use, too, but their mic system doesn't reproduce your voice as naturally; you're still intelligible for meetings and client calls, though.
These well-built over-ears have a bass-boosted sound profile. It's great for genres like EDM and hip-hop, but some may find the default sound too muddy or boomy. Fortunately, the headphones' app supports a similar 10-band graphic EQ to our top pick's, and you can always cycle through presets if you're looking for a quicker fix. The app also brings support for a slew of features like output and input settings for calls (not available on the Sony), and the headphones work with LDAC and LC3 codecs. Battery life is a standout for the JBL, clocking in at 60.5 hours with ANC enabled, the highest in this article. Unfortunately, you likely won't be as comfortable wearing them for too long, as the JBL's biggest shortcoming is in the comfort department. The combination of minor issues in the headphones' mediocre padding, higher clamping force, and shallow ear cups can cause discomfort to build up over long listening sessions, particularly if you have a larger head. Still, the headphones have exceptional value for their price as they push close to the performance of giants like our top pick.
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Best Lower Mid-Range Over-Ear Headphones
Peaks/DipsNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosComfortNoise Isolation - Full RangeWirelessYesSports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkWireless Gaming (In Development)Wired Gaming (In Development)Audio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationMicrophone (In Development)See all our test resultsFrequency Response ConsistencyThe tradeoffs for a lower price start to line up closer to what you'd expect with our lower mid-range pick, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless. Anker's more price-conscious products are well-known for punching above their price class, and unsurprisingly, that's the case for this pick. That said, there's a clear sacrifice in build quality, with the headphones eschewing more premium aluminum for flimsier plastic. And while they're not as feature-loaded with personalized hearing profiles or virtual soundstage features, they do the basics well. The ANC, supported by a 27.8-hour battery, does an amazing job with most types of noise, though it's less effective at mitigating higher frequency noise like voices and mechanical whirring compared to the previous pick, the JBL Live 780NC. Plus, the Anker support multi-device pairing with up to two devices and actually have a better-performing mic than the JBL.
Their sound profile offers plenty of bass and treble for a punchy, sparkling sound, making them suitable for a variety of genres. Unfortunately, these headphones have a high noise floor (hissing/whining when no audio is playing) when you set the ANC to 'Adaptive' or 'Max,' which can taint your listening experience if you're sensitive to this type of noise. For bass heads, consider the Sony ULT WEAR. If you have the patience to wait until they go on sale, you'll pay a similar price to the Anker, but be greeted by an improved microphone performance, a dedicated bass-boost button, and better on-head stability (helpful if you like to headbang to your tunes).
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Best Budget Over-Ear Headphones
Peaks/DipsNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosComfortNoise Isolation - Full RangeWirelessYesSports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkWireless Gaming (In Development)Wired Gaming (In Development)Audio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationMicrophone (In Development)See all our test resultsFrequency Response ConsistencyTrading away some performance and nice-to-haves from our previous picks to save on spend gets you the Anker Soundcore Life Q20. They're great for how much they cost and have a similar design to their relative, the Q45 but you'll have to make some sacrifices. You'll be happy to know that their ANC performs similarly to the next step up in our price categories, and they're similarly well built and comfortable to the Q45. However, the Q20 2024 miss out on LDAC codec support for Hi-Res audio and trade in the hard-shell case for a soft pouch instead.
Similar to other Anker entries in the Space and Life product lines, these headphones have a V-shaped sound profile that packs extra bass while vocals and lead instruments sound bright. Fortunately, you can still tune their sound to suit your preferences using the companion app's graphic EQ or presets if this isn't to your taste. Ultimately, the Q20 2024 are a solid option if you just need a pair of over-ears for casual listening.
Check out our article on the best budget and cheap headphones for more budget-friendly options.
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Best Sounding Over-Ear Headphones
Peaks/DipsNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosComfortNoise Isolation - Full RangeWirelessYesSports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkWireless Gaming (In Development)Wired Gaming (In Development)Audio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationMicrophone (In Development)See all our test resultsFrequency Response ConsistencyThe Sennheiser HDB 630 offer the best of both worlds when it comes to wireless convenience and sound quality. Compared to other picks on the list, the Sennheiser are targeted toward audiophiles and enthusiasts rather than more casual users, and they have the features to back it up. To start with, they have a balanced tuning and smooth frequency response that sidesteps more common bassy and energetic sound profiles. Their versatile default sound is a good starting point for customization using the app's features: you can adjust a fully parametric EQ, which allows for more detailed adjustments beyond a graphic EQ, and there's a crossfeed function that lets you blend the left and right channels to create a more speaker-like sound. The headphones also come with a dedicated USB-C dongle that allows you to bypass codec support and hardware limitations of your device and access higher audio quality or lower-latency codecs.
While their ANC performs very well and is more than enough to block out chatty coworkers, it can't quite reach the same level of isolation against bass noise when compared to the top-of-the-line Sony WH-1000XM6. Still, their comfortable design means you can wear these all day and then some. The Sennheiser's biggest drawback is that audio delivery can sound different depending on the physical characteristics of the wearer, like head shape or accessories. If you have thick-framed glasses, you may be better off with the Focal Bathys Wireless; they accommodate a wider range of head shapes, but their 29-hour battery life is shorter than the Sennheiser's 54.
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Best Audiophile Over-Ear Headphones
Peaks/DipsNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosComfortNoise Isolation - Full RangeWirelessNoSports And FitnessTravelOffice WorkWireless Gaming (In Development)Wired Gaming (In Development)Audio Reproduction AccuracyNoise IsolationMicrophone (In Development)See all our test resultsFrequency Response ConsistencyFor those who prioritize sound quality above all else, the Sennheiser HD 800 S are the best audiophile over-ear headphones we've tested. They're well known for their immersive and clear sound that accurately reproduces vocals and instruments. Unlike our previous picks, these are open-back headphones. The design allows audio to leave the ear cup and interact with your environment, and typically reduces the amount of bass the headphones can produce. The major downside of this design is that the headphones don't isolate your audio from your environment or your environment from your audio. As a result, they aren't a good choice for commuting or working in public places like a bullpen, but they'd fare well in a studio or private office.
Their passive-only design means they also lack additional features like Bluetooth connectivity or an app. If you're looking for great-sounding headphones that you can use at work or for wireless calls, you'll want to stick with our previous pick, the Sennheiser HDB 630. And if you're chasing open-back headphones but want something cheaper or with a little more thump, try the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro. They're just as comfortable and a touch more lightweight than the HD 800 S. However, their lower price point means some concessions in build quality. For even more audiophile options, check out our article on the best audiophile headphones.
Notable Mentions
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Apple AirPods Max 2:
The Apple AirPods Max 2 boast superb noise isolation and let you seamlessly switch between your Apple devices. But they're not as lightweight as the Sony WH-1000XM6 and don't come with a protective case. The Sony also offer the same feature set whether you use iOS or Android, while the Apple have limited functionality outside of iOS.
See our review -
Sonos Ace:
The Sonos Ace are more comfortable over-ears than the JBL Live 780NC. However, their ANC isn't as effective and the Sonos companion app sorely lacks customization options, offering only bass and treble sliders compared to the JBL's 10-band graphic EQ.
See our review -
Anker Soundcore Space One Pro:
The Anker Soundcore Space One Pro have a better build quality and battery life than the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless. But the Q45 have the better ANC and microphone, and are usually a fair bit cheaper than the Space One Pro.
See our review -
Philips SHP9500:
The Philips SHP9500 are entry-level open-back over-ears that are significantly less expensive than the Sennheiser HD 800 S. They have a very comfortable fit and a flat sound profile. However, they don't have as much low bass as the Sennheiser and don't sound as immersive.
See our review
Recent Updates
Jun 10, 2026:
We've overhauled most of the article's text and replaced the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless with the JBL Live 780NC, as the former is facing dwindling stock and higher prices. The remaining picks have been validated for relevancy and remain in stock.
Apr 22, 2026:
The Apple AirPods Max 2 replace the Apple AirPods Max in our Notable Mentions for their superior noise isolation performance.
Mar 18, 2026:
We removed the Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless from our Notable Mentions but added the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro. We also rewrote sections of the text for brevity.
Jan 07, 2026:
The Sennheiser HDB 630 are our new pick for the 'Best Sounding Over-Ear Headphones' because of their exceptionally balanced sound and excellent ANC performance. The Focal Bathys Wireless are an alternative for people who wear thicker-framed glasses.
Oct 30, 2025:
We've updated the article to reflect recently tested products. Notably, we replaced the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless with the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 2024 as our budget pick; the latter has a longer battery life and similar features and performance.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best over-ear headphones to buy for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews for over-ear headphones. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.